Tahini and Miso Dressing

A simple but flavorful dressing that can be used on salads, vegetables, or even as a marinade. The tahini and miso paste provide a rich, nutty flavor, while the rice vinegar and soy sauce add a bit of acidity and umami. The sesame oil and black pepper round out the flavors, giving the dressing a slightly smoky and spicy flavor.

This dressing was inspired by a trip to Japan, where I had the opportunity to try a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. One dish that I particularly enjoyed was a salad dressed with a simple tahini and miso dressing. I was so impressed by the flavor of the dressing that I decided to recreate it at home. After several attempts, I finally came up with a recipe that I was happy with. This dressing is now one of my favorites, and I use it on a variety of dishes.

Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup white miso paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, miso paste, water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Why It Works

• The combination of tahini and miso paste creates a rich, nutty flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.
• The rice vinegar and soy sauce add a bit of acidity and umami to the dressing, which helps to balance out the richness of the tahini and miso paste.
• The sesame oil and black pepper add a bit of smokiness and spice to the dressing, which gives it a more complex flavor.
• This dressing is easy to make and can be used on a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.